Mobile Operating Systems · Tool Face-Off

iOS 17 vs iOS 18

Quick answer

iOS 18 is the clear upgrade with AI-powered features and deeper customization, but iOS 17 still runs smoothly if your device isn't supported or you prefer stability.

iOS 17

Polished and reliable, with standout communication upgrades

3.8★

Our pick

iOS 18

Apple's boldest iPhone update in years, now with Apple Intelligence

4.4★

Release Date

Sept 2023

Sept 2024

Supported Devices

iPhone XR and later

iPhone XS and later

Apple Intelligence (AI)

Yes (iPhone 15 Pro & iPhone 16+)

Home Screen Customization

Limited grid layout only

Free icon placement + color tinting

Lock Screen Controls

Fixed flashlight & camera

Fully customizable controls

RCS Messaging

Yes

Control Center

Single scrollable page

Multi-page, fully customizable

StandBy Mode

Yes

Yes (improved)

Live Voicemail

Yes

Passwords App

No (Settings only)

Dedicated Passwords app

Game Mode

Yes

Price

Free update

iOS 17

Features★★★½☆

AI & Smarts★★½☆☆

Ease of Use★★★★½

Performance★★★★½

App Ecosystem★★★★½

Customization★★★☆☆

Security & Privacy★★★★☆

iOS 18

Features★★★★½

AI & Smarts★★★★½

Ease of Use★★★★½

Performance★★★★½

App Ecosystem★★★★½

Customization★★★★½

Security & Privacy★★★★½

Worth knowing

iOS 18 lets you place app icons literally anywhere on the home screen — a first in iPhone history.
Apple Intelligence features require at least an iPhone 15 Pro or any iPhone 16 model.
iOS 17 introduced NameDrop, Contact Posters, and StandBy mode — all still loved by users.
iOS 18 brought RCS support, finally letting iPhone and Android users share high-res media over messaging.
iOS 18's Control Center can be split across multiple pages with third-party controls allowed for the first time.

It took Apple 17 versions to let you move an app icon to the bottom-left corner of your screen. Android users have had this since 2008 and are still not over it.

If you want

You want the latest AI features and maximum customization

iOS 18's Apple Intelligence, free icon placement, and revamped Control Center make it a generational leap.

→ Pick iOS 18

If you want

Your device is an iPhone XR or XS and you want stability

iOS 17 runs great on older chips and avoids the bugs that can accompany a fresh major release.

→ Pick iOS 17

If you want

You message a lot of Android users

RCS support in iOS 18 means no more blurry videos and green bubble shame in group chats.

→ Pick iOS 18

If you want

You care about privacy and security patches

Apple's latest security improvements and the new Passwords app make iOS 18 the safer choice long-term.

→ Pick iOS 18

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